GCSE Maths Mock Exam: How to Prepare

Introduction

GCSE maths mock exams are a great way of providing you with an indication of your current attainment level. They also provide a useful overview of your weaker areas so you can allocate more time to studying particular topics or exam questions.

Rather than viewing the GCSE maths mock exam as an arduous task, try to see it as an opportunity to improve your knowledge and exam technique ahead of the actual tests.

At Exam Papers Plus, we publish GCSE maths practice testsand understand what’s needed to prepare for the exam. Below, we have outlined a few of the essentials that students need to know when preparing for the GCSE maths mock exam.

Start Revision Early

When faced with a mock exam, it’s very easy to procrastinate with revision because the “real” exam feels like a lifetime away. Don’t fall into this trap. Your GCSE maths mock exam gives you the chance to focus your attention earlier, meaning you will be better organised, more prepared and have a greater chance of achieving a higher grade when the summer exam comes around.

When preparing for your GCSE maths mock exam, it’s a good idea to begin with reorganising your class notes. Simply sorting your notes is an excellent way to begin your exam preparation. You can then write a list of all the topics you’ve covered throughout the course and use this to chart your revision progress.

Use Different Revision Strategies

Some of the most common revision strategies are actually the least effective. Simply reading through textbook, highlighting information and revising class notes don’t let you put theory into practice. These popular strategies don’t encourage you to think critically about the topic, which often leads to students being unable to show their workings in the exam. Your GCSE maths mock exam will let you discover revision strategies that work best for you.

Effective revision strategies include:

Spacing out revision sessions. This gives your brain time to forget and then re-learn topics.

Group study sessions. Having other people around you revising the same topic encourages discussion and understanding. Revising with other maths students can also be useful when you get stuck on a particular topic or practice question.

Teaching the material to someone else. This technique forces you to think about the material in a clear and structured way.

Flashcards Ask a friend or family member to write out one exam question per card with the answer on the back. Have them choose a card at random for you to answer. This technique is particularly good for improving your non-calculator skills.

For some more GCSE revision strategies, watch this video from study Melanie:

What Is the Question Asking?

Sitting the GCSE maths mock exam will give you a better understanding of what the examiner wants you to do for specific questions. Once you understand the question type and how marks are awarded, you’re more likely to save time in the actual exam, giving you a better opportunity to answer all the questions as fully as possible. When preparing for the mock exam, read the GCSE maths marking scheme to become familiar with how points are awarded.

Once you know how examiners break down the individual elements of a question, you can review your answers to ensure that you have each part covered. You can find the GCSE Maths Scheme of Assessment on the AQA website.

Use Practice Papers Under Exam Conditions

Exam pressure is a very real thing for some students, even when it comes to mock tests. It takes time and practice to perform well under pressure. The GCSE maths mock exam is a great opportunity for students to practise what works best for them.

One of the most effective ways to revise for the GCSE maths mock exam is to use practice tests under exam conditions. When introduced early into your revision schedule, our GCSE maths practice packs can help to improve your confidence in the lead up to test day.

Our practice packs are all written and developed by former GCSE Maths examiners and markers. We’ve also included questions that students find challenging, so you’ll have experience of tackling the most difficult questions.

When preparing for the mock exam, we’d highly recommend the following resources:

The GCSE maths mock exam is a great way for students to learn, consolidate knowledge and refine exam technique before the real thing. The mock exam is a student’s chance to learn from any mistakes as it highlights your strengths and weaknesses in knowledge and exam technique. This can then inform the next steps before the real exam and lead to more focused learning. If students use the advice outlined above, they are more likely to achieve a good result in a mock exam.